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The last ride on the Tilt-a-Whirl

A visit to an amusement park belongs to summer like a pair of shorts, ice cream cones or a day at the lake. According to the International Amusement Park Association, big operations continue to thrive.

But in recent years, small town carnivals have been closing down all over the state. The Paul Bunyan Amusement Park in Bemidji is just one example of a slice of summer whose ride is coming to an end.

We went along with Melissa and Josh Murphy of Rochester, who were enjoying the park one last time with their daugthers, age 6 and 3.

Gallery

The Tilt-a-Whirl is produced in Fairbault, Minnesota. The ride has been churning those strong of stomach for 60 years. This one is going to be auctioned off this fall.MPR Photo/Kateri JochumView full galleryGary Trueblood has owned the Paul Bunyan Amusement Park for 46 years.MPR Photo/Kateri JochumGary Trueblood's favorite ride is still the train.MPR Photo/Kateri JochumThe Paul Bunyan Amusement Park in Bemidji is going out of business at the end of this summer. The owners say it's too expensive to keep it open.MPR Photo/Kateri Jochum